Magyar-British Relations, 1914 – 44: Part Three – The Crucible of War and the Crisis of Identity.Leave a comment

Part Three: The Crucible of War and the Crisis of Identity, 1939-44.

Chapter Four: The Struggle for Independence

Following the Nazi-Soviet Pact of 23 August 1939, the liquidation of the Baltic republics and the Winter War with Finland of 1939-40, there was considerable anxiety in Budapest about Soviet territorial intentions. In particular, there was concern that Stalin would demand Ruthenia, where the majority of the population was Ukrainian. Diplomatic relations between Budapest and Moscow, broken off early in 1939, where re-established, though Hungary supported Finland with volunteers and by other means. At the same time, there was a clear community of interests between Soviet Russia and Hungary over Transylvania. Werth and his military circles, enthusiastic about German triumphs in the west in the spring of 1940, urged closer co-operation with Germany, including free passage for German troops. However, Teleki was wanted to avoid unreserved commitments, especially as he received warnings…